Jennifer Cluff Movies

Australian director Bill Bennett (Kiss or Kill) adds broad slapstick comedy to his repertoire with this rags-to-riches tale of luck and greed. The Nugget follows three pals whose occasional searches for gold in the outback are little more than an inane hobby. That is, until a sign from above directs them to an actual reserve of the precious metal hidden in the hills. Overcome with avarice, the trio bickers over how to split up the booty, all the while not noticing that two other enterprising men are waiting in the wings to steal their find. The Nugget stars future Hulk actor Eric Bana in a leading role. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide

Set amidst the eerie desolation of the Australian outback, Kiss or Kill is a superior reworking of vintage film noir materials from the veteran director Bill Bennett. Its lovers-on-the-run story focuses on Nicole (Frances O'Connor) and Al (Matt Day), a pair of petty thieves running a scam targeting married businessmen; when one of their victims accidentally dies, they flee his hotel room, absconding with his briefcase. The case contains a videotape of Zipper Doyle (Barry Langrishe), a national soccer hero, molesting a young boy; Nicole and Al soon take off for Perth, intending to blackmail Doyle -- never suspecting that he, as well as the police, are already in hot pursuit. As the two make their way across the country, they leave a trail of dead bodies in their wake; both Nicole and Al begin to suspect that the other is a murderer, and as their journey continues, their paranoia only grows. A similar feeling of mistrust and dread informs virtually every interpersonal relationship in the film, effectively gnawing at our own perceptions and expectations; a stylistically aggressive picture, brimming with jump cuts and inventive camera work, its distinctive take on the noir tradition is fresh and exciting. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide

Hec Harris (Robin Ramsay) is a widowed tax-office clerk who wants to buy a computer to help devise an easy tax-form process in this comedy. He applies for a loan but is denied because he always pays in cash and has no credit on record. He borrows the money from the bank and immediately returns it, along with the interest, and gets a credit card. Hec soon runs up a bill of over $10,000 and pays it off by obtaining more credit cards. He soon is hopelessly swimming in debt, he loses his job, and his daughter Jo (Marion Chirgwin) is placed in a foster home. Although the feature is a comedy, there are serious moments in this story about a man living beyond his means. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

The "hero" of the Australian Backlash is foul-mouthed, racist/sexist cop David Argue. As punishment for his many infractions, Argue is ordered to escort female aboriginal prisoner Lydia Miller to the Outback, where she is to stand trial for murdering the man who sodomized her. Also along for the ride is ardently feminist policewoman Gia Carides. When their car breaks down en route, the three disparate types begin to grow closer. By and by, Argue and Carides become convinced of Miller's innocence, and set about to trap the real culprit. Though very cheaply produced (it was filmed in 16mm and blown up to 35mm for theatrical distribution), Backlash scores on the sincerity and conviction of its actors and the enthusiasm of its first-time director Bill Bennett. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This suspensful drama chronicles the life of a despicable killer who along with his brother, was involved in the slaughter of several Australian journalists in 1975. The film is based on a true story. Both brothers survived the killings. Afterwards, one of them settles down in a small New Zealand town where he leads a peaceful life. His peace is disturbed when his brother comes to call. The visiting brother tries to get him to hit the road again. When not trying to convince him, the restless brother falls for a hooker. She falls for him too. After he dumps her for another, the call girl attempts suicide. Meanwhile he keeps after the pretty urban woman until she is killed in a car crash. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

A reporter and his girlfriend do some investigative journalism and discover that a successful actor/businessman who recently returned to Queensland may well be involved in pornography and snuff films. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide